In this article, we show you how to choose the perfect lineup in FUT: With our custom tactics, and instructions, you'll always have an advantage on the pitch. So let's take a look at the best formations in FIFA 23.
Whether you're chasing the best rewards in FUT or killing time in Career Mode, your starting XI has a significant impact on how you play.
Of course, you can basically line up in any available formation, but just like every year, there are a few formations that are "meta" (which simply means the "most effective tactics available", i.e. the best).
In combination with the right instructions for your players, this creates the perfect tactic to achieve win after win. We'll tell you what's important in FIFA 23 .
FIFA 23: The Best Formations
When we talk about formations, we mean the classic line-ups like 4-2-3-1 or the 4-4-2. Since the position of your player needs to be right in order to get full chemistry, the starting formation is extremely significant. After kick-off, you can change it – more on that later.
There's obviously not just one formation you can choose that will win every match – but there are two or three formations which you absolutely should implement in your match plan. And what's also very essential: custom tactics. If you ignore them, your full-backs might move around uncontrolled in attack and your attackers are often far too defensive. We show you everything you should take care of before starting the game.
4-2-2-2: The Standard Formation
The 4-2-2-2 system was already really popular in FIFA 22. Here you have an enormous number of options, for both offense or defense. The CDMs are very important in the center in front of your defenders, while the four attackers build the perfect powerhouse up front.
The 4-2-2-2 seems to be one of the strongest formations in FIFA 23 so far.
You should customize this formation with the following tactics and instructions if you want to be successful with this setup.
Custom Tactics For 4-2-2-2
Defensive:
- Balanced / pressing after losing possession
- 45 Width
- 50 Depth
Offensive:
- Balanced
- Direct Passes
- 50 Width
- Players in Box: 6
- Corners: 2
- Free Kick: 2
Instructions:
- RB/LB: Stay Back While Attacking
- CDM: One player should Stay Back While Attacking and one with Balanced Attack
- CAM: Stay Forward
- ST: Nothing / Get In Behind
The defense should be set to "Balanced" and as soon as you are 1:0 down and time is running out, change it to "Pressing after losing possession". In terms of instructions, however, there's not much room for improvisation: set the full-backs to "Stay Back" (unless you are behind).
The CDMs can split up, meaning one stays back and one plays balanced. The CAMs should stay forward and when we think of the strikers you have two options: if you want the two strikers to always run to the box, set "Get In Behind".
Our tip: tell the faster striker to "Get In Behind" and don't give instructions to the other one.
- Want to try your new tactics against your friends? FIFA 23 Crossplay And Crossplatform Explained
The Best Formation: The 4-2-3-1 System
Despite the strength of 4-2-2-2, we currently see the 4-2-3-1 as being slightly better. The CAM is just perfectly set up for your game and can provide a lot of structure. It's a formation that most squads (if we take a look at the clubs) are built on.
You are basically stable at the back, but the guy behind your striker can be a fixed point in the center of midfield, which you often lack in the 4-2-2-2. So look for him in the build-up and initiate side changes with him on the wings – very difficult to defend.
The CAM can also shine in front, because passes to the back of the box are always OP in FIFA. However, you should definitely set the following instructions.
Custom Tactics For 4-2-3-1
Defensive:
- Balanced/pressing after losing possession
- 55 Width
- 50 Depth
Offensive:
- Balanced
- Direct Passes
- 55 Width (the CAMs are like wings here)
- Players in Box: 7
- Corners: 2
- Free Kick: 2
Instructions:
- RB/LB: Stay Back While Attacking
- CDM: One player should Stay Back While Attacking and one with Balanced Attack
- CAM: Stay Forward
- ST: Get In Behind
What is different here from the 4-2-2-2: Your tactics let you play a little wider so that the two CAMs play more like wingers. And one more change: the one striker should "Get In Behind" so your CAM can play beautiful passes. Of course, it's important that you have a fast center-forward.
Pro Tip: Set Up Different Tactics
Our tip: The 4-2-3-1 (2) is also a good formation. Here you play with RM and LM instead of CAMs. The best tactic for FUT is to set up two or more different formations. A more offensive (4-2-2-2) and a more defensive (4-2-3-1) one that you can change depending on the score.
To do this, press L2 or LT when you edit your team in FUT and select the match plan. Here you can set your own formations and instructions for defensive and offensive tactics. We highly recommend doing this if you want to react quickly in the game and play like José Mourinho at Inter Milan.
Oh, and if you always want to be up-to-date on which new special cards await us, then check our FUT Promo Calendar.